#USA #Exceptional Women Alliance #Pawtucket #Patricia O'Brien #Teknor Apex

Celebrating Sustainability Leadership

The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) has proudly recognized Patricia Mishic O'Brien for her recent appointment as Chief Sustainability Officer at Teknor Apex Company, an organization dedicated to leading innovations in sustainable practices within the materials industry. This announcement reflects not just a pivotal moment in O'Brien's career but also a significant advancement in corporate sustainability governance.

O’Brien's journey is marked by a rich history of collaboration and visionary leadership. As stated by Teknor Apex CEO Don Wiseman, she is known for her ability to intertwine sustainability within corporate operations and strategy, establishing pathways that benefit both the organization and the environment. Wiseman expressed confidence that O'Brien's expertise will enhance Teknor Apex's standing in the industry, especially in steering initiatives toward a circular economy—one where resources are reused and recycled to minimize waste.

Having taken up her role effective from March 3, 2025, O'Brien is tasked with curating a comprehensive sustainability strategy that aligns with Teknor Apex’s long-term objectives. This endeavor is crucial for a company that already boasts an extensive legacy in the materials sector, evidenced by its ambitious goal of contributing significantly to its clients' sustainability objectives.

Before joining Teknor Apex, O'Brien served as Chief Commercial Officer at UBQ Materials, a bioplastics firm, where she was instrumental in sales, marketing, and technical development. Her career further includes notable positions at leading firms like Dow Inc. and A. Schulman Inc., where she honed her skills and built a reputation for excellence.

O'Brien expressed enthusiasm about her new role, emphasizing Teknor Apex's longstanding commitment to both industry expertise and environmental integrity. She remarked, “I am eager to not only advance our sustainability initiatives but also to support our customers in achieving their eco-goals.” This commitment to customer service coupled with environmental stewardship is expected to set a benchmark for the industry.

Teknor Apex, headquartered in Pawtucket, RI, stands as one of North America’s largest compounders and concentrate manufacturers, with operations across the globe, including locations in Belgium, Germany, China, and Singapore. With a history dating back to its founding in 1924, the company takes pride in delivering a wide range of products including PVC compounds, thermoplastic elastomers, engineering resins, and garden hoses, all while pushing the envelope on sustainability.

In light of O'Brien's appointment, the EWA's mission of empowering women leaders in various sectors is underscored as they continue to cultivate a support network that aligns with the principles of environmental responsibility and leadership excellence. O’Brien’s role not only exemplifies individual achievement in the corporate landscape but also aligns perfectly with the EWA’s broader goal of fostering impactful leadership among women across industries.

As the focus on sustainable practices becomes increasingly vital in today's business climate, Patricia Mishic O'Brien’s leadership is bound to resonate well within the materials industry, serving as a beacon of progress and innovation. The EWA stands proud to celebrate such a remarkable achievement, looking forward to the positive impacts that will emerge from this pivotal appointment.